κύπτω (kuptō)
kuptō
to stoop/bend down
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kuptō describes the physical act of bending forward or stooping down, often with the head bowed. In the New Testament, it appears in only two verses, both found in the Gospel of John. This specific motion is used to depict Jesus’ posture while writing on the ground during the confrontation with the accusers of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:6 and 8).
The imagery here is strikingly simple yet profound. Rather than immediately responding to the hostile crowd, Jesus bends low, engaging in a silent, deliberate action. This physical stance shifts the focus from their aggressive demands to His own calm authority. The act of stooping serves as a pause, allowing the weight of their own consciences to settle before He speaks.
While the word itself has no complex theological jargon, its usage highlights a moment of quiet dignity. By bending down, Jesus avoids a direct verbal confrontation that might escalate the situation, instead inviting self-reflection in those who accused her. The physical act of stooping becomes a powerful non-verbal response to moral confusion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word κὺπτω describes a simple physical act: bending forward or stooping down. In the New Testament, it appears in only two verses, both in the Gospel of John and Mark. Most notably, Jesus uses this posture when writing on the ground before the woman caught in adultery (John 8:6). This quiet movement shifts the focus from the crowd’s anger to His calm authority.
Stooping can be a sign of humility or deep thought. It invites reflection rather than immediate reaction. When we face conflict, this posture reminds us that silence and patience often speak louder than words. By bending low, Jesus models a way to respond with dignity, allowing truth to settle in our hearts without escalating tension.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having stooped down1×
- having stooped1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κύψας2×
Key Verses
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John 8:6
They said this testing him, that they might have something to accuse him of. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with his finger.
Jesus stoops to write on the ground, using silence and action to defuse hostility and invite self-reflection.
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Mark 1:7
He preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen.
John the Baptist uses the word to express his unworthiness even to perform the humble task of loosening Jesus’ sandals.